Ruth Jones Carpenter

Ruth was born the daughter of William and Maud Jones and was born in Boston, Mass. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frederick F Chamblee, Sr.; her second husband Dr. C. Ray Carpenter and grandson Willie McGeever.

Ruth grew up in Melrose and Ipswich, Mass. She attended the University of Vermont and the Chandler School before being called to work for the (then) War Department on December 8, 1941. She worked during WWII and during that time she married Frederick Chamblee. They moved to his hometown, Zebulon, North Carolina, after the war. A widow in 1959, she worked for WUNC-TV in Raleigh, NC and later for the National Education Association and the National Audio-Visual Association in Washington, DC., where she was vice president.

In 1966 she married Dr. C Ray Carpenter and worked at Penn State University and the University of Georgia. Over the years she took credit courses at George Washington University, The University of Hawaii, The University of Georgia and Central Michigan University where she was awarded a B.S. degree.

During her retirement years she became active in many Athens community organizations. These included the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, Federation of Neighborhoods, Athens Area Council on Aging, The St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, The Athens Regional Library, Learning in Retirement, The League of Women Voters and the Stay Green movement. Her love of politics will be missed by all.

Survivors include her son, Rick Chamblee of Athens, who has been a loving son and care giver in her home, and daughter in law Patricia Chamblee; daughters Evelyn McGeever and husband Bill of Lodi, CA. and Diana Poucher and husband Ted of Wilmington, NC.; granddaughters Amy McGeever and Holly Burger. Rick would like to say a special thanks to Sandra Colquitt for her love and care for Mrs. Carpenter during her time of illness.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and at Mrs. Carpenters request, a tree be planted in her memory or donations be made to their favorite charity.

On line condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.